Schreiner MediPharm, a Germany-based global provider of specialty pharmaceutical labeling solutions for more than 65 years, working in conjunction with ECCT (Experts in Communications & Connectivity Technology), has developed a smart blister pack for a global pharmaceutical corporation to enhance medication adherence by clinical trial participants. The introduction of this electronic tool for managing and tracking processes during clinical trials marks a milestone for this global group of companies.

While clinical trials require high accuracy, reliable workflow, efficiency, speed and flexibility, the conventional, non-automated processes are frequently error-prone. Medication adherence by participating patients is critical for the successful outcome of clinical trials, but often difficult to track. Usually, about 20% of patients do not adhere to medication therapy, forcing trial organizers to compensate for the resulting accuracy deficit by increasing patient populations up to 60%.

To improve medication adherence, Schreiner MediPharm joined forces with ECCT and the pharmaceutical corporation involved to develop a smart packaging solution for patient compliance monitoring. The solution works as follows: When a patient pushes a tablet from the blister pack, data is generated in real time. This data may include medication type, extraction time and specific cavity, and is automatically stored in the smart packaging and transmitted to a database via smartphone app or reader.

This digital therapy monitoring allows physicians, for example, to verify that patients have taken their medicine at the right time. Additionally, the technology makes interactive communication between physicians and patients possible. For instance, physicians can send compliance reminders or dose adjustments to patients.